Brothes revved up over bike raiders

A KEEN motorcyclist missed out on a national motocross competition after thieves stole his bike - again.

Nick Johnson, 37, was due to take part in an off-road bike race yesterday, but had to pull out because he had no bike to ride on.

His brother Tim, 35, also had his bike taken by thieves when they broke into the shed at their mum's house, in Anderson Crescent, Aborfield.

The lorry-driving siblings had stored the bikes there after having three motorbikes stolen from Tim's house in Sandleford Close, Whitley Wood, earlier this year.

They hoped the bikes, a Honda CR125 and a Kawasaki X250F, would be safer in the quiet village, but were proved wrong when thieves struck on Tuesday night.

Nick and Tim have appealed to the crooks or anyone who spots the bikes to give them back.

Nick said: "I am gutted. I had to spend more than £1,000 to get my bike race ready and I was so looking forward to it.

"Riding bikes is a big part of my life and this is a huge blow, I can't believe it. I hope we get them back, if not I'm just going to have to save some money to get a new one."

Mum Jenny Butler reported the theft to police on Wednesday but was upset officers did not investigate the crime.

She said: "The police didn't even send anyone to look at the shed because they told me they don't send officers to shed break-ins.

"These are very expensive bikes and it's a disgrace the police don't seem to care. We are appealing for anyone who knows where these bikes are to get in touch and are prepared to offer a reward for any information that leads to a prosecution."

Police spokeswoman Sian Hickman said: "The bikes were stolen when offenders forced entry to the shed. There are no witnesses that have come forward at this time and there is no CCTV.

"We would appeal for anyone with information on the whereabouts of the bikes, including the people who have seen them, been offered them for sale or knows who has them, to come forward as soon as possible."